Original Item: Only One Available. Well THIS is a real peach! This is a very nice condition Civil War revolver, made by the MANHATTAN FIREARMS COMPANY of NEWARK, N.J.. The company was originally founded in 1856, mainly to make Colt-style revolvers once their patent ran out in 1857. This revolver looks just like a Colt Navy and is in the same .36cal percussion, but it has a five shot cylinder, instead of the Colt's six.

This example features a standard 5" barrel and matching serial number 6145, which is found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, the bottom of the grip, and even the cylinder arbor pin! The rear of the cylinder is quite worn, so there is no serial number present there anymore, but we have no reason to doubt that is original to the gun. The barrel wedge is an unmarked period replacement. The cylinder scene engraving and other markings are completely worn away, including the patent dates that a Series II revolver would have had. However all cap nipples are still present and clear, possibly having been replaced long ago.

From internet research, we know that the Series II revolvers have serial numbers from approximately 4200 to around 14,500, and were manufactured from January 1860 to September 1861. As this was made relatively early in the series II production, it is almost certainly a pre Civil War produced gun, made in mid 1860, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict.

Top of the barrel still has the correct Series I manufacturer engraving from before the company address moved to Newark, though it is quite faint:

The revolver has a lovely patina of age and is in fully functional condition. The Walnut grip is solid, with a lovely color, and still looks to have a god amount of the original finish present. The left side has a small metal plaque with the initials C W engraved into it. The metal finish has been worn to a lovely gray patina from years of use and cleaning. The trigger guard/grip frame is worn a bit, which has entirely removed the original nickel plating from the brass, which is typical, even for well cared for revolvers. It also has had the front screw hole wear through completely, so it is not secured on the front.

Functionally, the revolver cycles, but the cylinder lock is not working correctly, so the cylinder can be moved even at full cock. It does still have a very strong dry fire, but is definitely finicky. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, showing the expected oxidation from fouling and use.

This is just a very nice pre civil war percussion revolver, ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: c.1860-61
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 1/2 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

History of Manhattan Firearms:

The Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Co. was founded by a group of New Jersey businessmen in 1856. Their goal was to take advantage of Colt’s patent for revolving firearms that was due to expire in 1857. The founders hired Thomas Bacon to became the Superintendent of Manufacturing.

Manufacturing began in Norwich, Connecticut and in 1859 moved to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Bacon remained in Norwich and started his own firearms company. During their existence, Manhattan Firearms produced approximately 175,000 pistols. Only Colt, Remington, and Winchester produced more guns during this era in which included the Civil War.

While waiting for Colt’s patent to expire, Manhattan first made copies of American firearms that no longer had patent protection. These included pepperboxes and various single-shot designs. Shortly thereafter, they turned their attention to making Colt-style revolvers in both the .31 caliber Pocket and .36 caliber Navy styles. Manhattan patented an extra set of cylinder safety notches on these models. Manhattans can be easily identified by the many notches on their cylinders.

After the Civil War, Manhattan production primarily consisted of a copy of the Smith & Wesson .22 caliber cartridge revolver and a single-shot boot pistol under the name "HERO". Manhattan changed it's name in 1868 to American Standard Tool Company and began to market industrial tools as well as firearms. American Standard Tool closed during the financial panic of 1873.

Manhattan Firearms also manufactured guns under the trade names “Hero”, “London Pistol Company”, and “American Standard Tool”.

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